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The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Riot Games have announced a three-year partnership, bringing VALORANT to the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks a major milestone for the tactical shooter, which has grown into one of the most dominant esports titles in recent years. VALORANT’s debut at EWC will be its largest major tournament outside the official VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) structure, featuring top-tier talent from around the world.
VALORANT joins League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics (TFT) in the EWC lineup, but its inclusion is particularly significant as the game continues to expand its global reach. Riot Games confirmed its participation, stating, “We’re adding VALORANT this year due to the incredible growth of its esports scene and the demand from teams and players for more global VALORANT events. By expanding our EWC licences, we’re creating greater opportunities for players and teams to compete on a grand stage and enhance their profiles.”
VALORANT has rapidly gained prominence in the esports world, establishing itself as one of the top first-person shooters. Its tactical gameplay, combined with regular updates and international competitions, has made it a fan favourite.
With over 13 million active players, the game’s growing popularity in multiple regions has driven Riot Games to seek new opportunities for expanding its competitive ecosystem, and the Esports World Cup presents a perfect stage for this expansion.
Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer of EWCF, highlighted Riot Games’ role in shaping the modern esports landscape, noting that its competitive titles have transcended gaming to become cultural phenomena. “Riot Games has had a profound impact on competitive gaming, transforming esports into a global entertainment force.”
The inclusion of VALORANT in the Esports World Cup comes at a time when the game’s player base and viewership numbers are at an all-time high. Riot’s commitment to supporting its esports scene has led to a structured competitive calendar, with regional leagues feeding into global events. The EWC will now serve as a new high-profile battleground for teams, giving them a chance to prove themselves outside the VCT circuit.
The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the most ambitious esports events ever, featuring 23 tournaments across 22 different games, spanning multiple genres. However, VALORANT’s tournament is expected to be one of the highlights, bringing together the game’s best players and teams for a high-stakes competition.
Riyadh will once again host the event, continuing its push to establish itself as a global esports hub. With a life-changing prize pool at stake and a format designed to showcase elite gameplay, VALORANT’s debut at the Esports World Cup is set to be a defining moment for the game and its competitive ecosystem.